Health Administration Salary

Health administrators work in a variety of fields, including hospitals, nursing homes, care facilities, and centers for children. Depending on the type of facility, a health administrator can make anywhere from $71,000 to $87,000 a year. Those who work in specialized facilities or surgical hospitals tend to earn more than administrators of other facilities. Earnings also depend on other factors, including education, certifications, and specialization. Those who have experience in the health care industry as well as administrative positions are generally able to earn more per year than those with little or no experience. As in any field, those with more work experience and training are more likely to have a higher salary. There are also various licensing requirements depending on which state you work in and which kind of facility you want to work in, so these are also very important when looking for a job as a health administrator.*

*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/

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Job Description and Outlook

Job duties for health administrators varies widely among different kinds of facilities. For smaller facilities, there may be only one or two top administrators who take care of all the needs of the facility. These duties include budgeting, financing, scheduling, admissions, and patient care. In larger facilities, these duties are often divided up among several individuals in different departments. This is more common in facilities like hospitals or large care facilities. Each department has several administrators responsible for a variety of tasks. There may only be one person in charge of budgeting, with another in charge of admissions, and so on. This makes the duties more manageable and ensures that everything is done correctly and promptly to keep the facility running smoothly.

As a health administrator, the hours are often long. Many health administrators work long shifts, sometimes up to thirty hours. This career also requires the ability to focus and the ability to stand for long periods of time. For this reason, those interested in a career as a health administrator must be able to pay close attention to detail and work well under stress. This job is not easy, but it is very rewarding for those who find a career as a health administrator.

With rapid growth in the medical industry in recent years, the demand for health administrators has grown as well. Before applying for a position, always be sure to check the training and educational requirements first. Some states require a license to practice as a health administrator, while different kinds of facilities have their own requirements as well. Check with a local authority before applying for a position as a health administrator. If you meet the requirements, chances are good that you will find a position in this field.

Training and Education Requirements

It is almost universal that at least a master’s degree is required to work as a health administrator. This includes a background in business administration as well as knowledge of health care and medicine. As a health administrator, you will perform a wide variety of tasks, and your level of education should reflect this. Most people who become health administrators have a background in the medical field. Often, they are former doctors or nurses who wanted to take another step in their career. Sometimes, a bachelor’s degree with some on-the-job training is enough to acquire a position, but this is rare. Most of the upper-level positions require a master’s degree for all applicants. Licensing is also required in some states, as well as continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest medical discoveries. Most health administrators are required to attend continuing education courses every five years to keep their licenses up-to-date and so that they remain informed on changes and developments in the field of medicine.

Certifications

Aside from the formal education obtained at a university or medical school, those interested in a career as a health administrator may also have to receive other certifications. These may vary by state, depending on the state’s requirements for licensing and certification. Some states require that applications obtain certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator. This provides the applicants with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful health administrator. Other certifications, such as a license to practice medicine or a nursing degree may also be required for a particular position.

Professional Associations

The American Health Information Management Association is a great source of information for those interested in a career as a health administrator. They provide information necessary to obtain a certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator. The American Medical Association is also a great resource for those interested in the medical field. These organizations help applicants decide which requirements must be met for a particular career, as well as provide the information and skills necessary to fulfill those requirements. As a member of these professional associations, resources are also available to stay up-to-date on new discoveries in the medical field as well. Membership in these professional associations also helps build a resume to be more appealing to future employers.